Suu Kyi seeks government action on Rohingya crisis

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Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said the government needs to end the Rohingya crisis and take immediate actions to address the humanitarian issue, as criticism is mounting for failing the Rohingya test.

Suu Kyi made the appeal in an interview with Chinese media in Myanmar’s capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, a day after Suu Kyi’s televised address on Tuesday.

Myanmar army cracked down on the country’s Muslim ethnic minority areas hours after Muslim militants attacked national army posts in the west Rakhine state.

Reuters Photo

Refugees poured into neighboring Bangladesh. The United Nations estimates over 400,000 people fled the country after the campaign of “ethnic cleansing.”

The Nobel laureate canceled her trip to the annual UN General Assembly (UNGA) debate this week as she was needed in Myanmar to manage the crisis.

Many leaders expressed concerns over the situation in Myanmar and urged immediate actions during their UN speeches.

On Friday, seven member countries of the UN Security Council also called on the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a briefing on the situation.

Suu Kyi told Chinese media it is the government responsibility to stop the violence and protect civilians from conflict, appealing for national reconciliation and peace.

Speaking of economic cooperation, Suu Kyi said China and Myanmar had maintained strategic cooperation in regional, international affairs and the United Nations arena. China's constructive help in the Myanmar peace process is crucial.

As a vital part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Myanmar government is willing to participate in China proposed Belt and Road Initiative actively, she said.